A threatened Hawaiian Forest

During a recent trip to Hawaii I had the opportunity to learn more about the native forests there. The largest trees in the forest are the Ohi'a (pronounced oh-hee-ah), and it is not surprising that they were unfamiliar to me before, since they are endemic to Hawaii -- naturally occurring nowhere else. The next most common "tree" is actually a fern with fronds that unroll many feet overhead, the Hapu'u (pronounced hah-poo-oo) -- another endemic species.

Old-growth forest on Hawaii are composed largely of these two species, and I was saddened to learn that the ancient forests of Hawaii are still being destroyed. One of the most impressive of these forests, 72 acres in Waikaku'u in South Kona, has just been approved for a 14 lot subdivision. Local conservationists are appealing the decision and trying to find a conservation buyer. The price is 1.5 million -- or should I say priceless? Below are some photos of this special place. If you want to help call Patricia Missler at 808-990-2970. Mahalo.

Cornell talk and hike, September 12

I am honored to be giving a talk at Cornell University on September 12th, 7:30pm, Cornell Plantations. Earlier that day there will be a public hike through the old-growth forest to be included in the Network for Tompkins County, NY. Here is the link for more information: https://www.cornellplantations.org/event/Fischer_hike
Come and join me!

Fischer Old-Growth Forest by Pultorak

Big Island, Hawaii, Forest added to Old-Growth Forest Network

Entrance to the Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve



At the dedication celebration on July 30th. Alyson, Jill Nadine, and the County Coordinator, Evan

 "A forest in every county protected from logging and open to the public" is the goal of the Old-Growth Forest Network. I am happy to announce that the Network now includes a Hawaiian forest!

 Puu Makaala Natural Area Reserve is 18,730 acres in size and was established in 1981 to protect unique native rain­forest. Long-Term management of this forested watershed provides multiple benefits including protec­tion of the island’s water resources, undeveloped open spaces, and cul­turally significant areas. The reserve provides habitat for rare native plants and animals preserving the biod­iversity of Hawai‘i for current and future generations. This wet forest contains many large old ohia trees, false sandalwood trees, and towering hapuu tree ferns.

In the Global Tree Preservation newsletter

Photo from dedication of the Dorchester Co., Maryland forest

The Old-Growth Forest Network was mentioned in the Global Tree Preservation newsletter (link). These good folks from Georgia really care about old trees. Thanks to my sister Lynn for connecting us. I plan to visit GA in Nov or Dec. to look for ancient forests for the Network and recruit some County Coordinators. Any suggestions or volunteers?

Dorchester County, Maryland, Old-Growth Forest Network recognition celebration

You are welcome to join us as we gather for a celebration to dedicate Maryland's Dorchester County forest that was recently added to the Old-Growth Forest Network
Monday, June 25, 2012, at 4:30 pm


 LeCompte Wildlife Management Area

This 353 acre forest is not old-growth yet, but is does have a nice variety of tree species and some impressive specimens. Some that will make you stop in your tracks include, willow oak, loblolly pine, and swamp white oak. The forest also has nice sweet gum, black gum, red maple, beech, and holly. Wear your rubber knee boots if you’re going to walk the trail since this flat Eastern Shore forest is usually wet, and the trail seems to be the wettest part. Heading off the trail toward the northeast will put you in a drier area with larger trees. This forest is a refuge for the rare Delmarva fox squirrel.

Directions:
Closest address: 4343 Steele Neck Road, Vienna, MD 21869 (parking area is past this on the left, an unmarked circular area with a tree in the center). From Vienna (near firehouse) turn onto Elliott Island Rd (aka Market St). Go 1.1 mi to Steele Neck Rd. Stay on Steele Neck Rd for 2.9 mi until you see the parking area on the left.

I won the Rachel Carson Essay, Senior Prize!

I was thrilled to learn that I won the Rachel Carson Essay Competition held in Munich, Germany.

Joan (Photo by Alyssa Maloof)

Here is the link if you want to know more:

http://www.carsoncenter.uni-muenchen.de/news_events/rcc_news/essay_contest_winners/index.html

Talk at State Arboretum of Virginia on May 16th

Here is the program for the talks at the State Arboretum of Virginia. First stop on my VA mini-tour.
http://www.virginia.edu/blandy/blandy_web/all_blandy/2012publicprograms.pdf